His playing career lasted 21 years and he played in Spain for Barcelona, and for Napoli, in the Italian League.

''Al Wasl Sports Club is proud to announce the appointment of Diego Armando Maradona as head coach of Al Wasl Football Club, in a momentous development that will see the football legend lead the team for the next two seasons,'' a statement reported by AFP said.

The club's vice-chairman Marwane Ben Bayatt, who conducted discussions with Maradona, added: ''Al Wasl Sports Club has become synonymous with achievements of this caliber, and we are very pleased to be welcoming Maradona to a long line of accolades in the club's history.

''This partnership embodies the vision of the club as it embraces forward thinking developments in the region to establish unprecedented standards for the sport.''

Maradona was fired after Argentina's crushing defeat to Germany and has been linked with a number of jobs in England and Iran since.

Al Wasl currently sit fourth in UAE's domestic league and have been managerless since Brazilian Sergio Farias was fired in March. They were crowned Gulf Champions last year.